Aviva and The Wherry School reopen internship applications for young people with autism

Applications reopen this October for the next cohort of a successful Supported Internship Programme, which helps young people with autism transition from education into employment.

The supported internship is a one-year transition-to-work programme for young people aged 17-19 with autism and an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), who are interested in learning valuable skills and joining the workforce. 

Now in its second year, Aviva welcomed ten more interns to the programme last month in Norwich and York, where they will gain real work experience and develop skills for their future. 

Norwich based interns will work out of Aviva’s city centre office, supported by an onsite job coach. The next cohort will start in September 2026. 

The supported internship programme in Norwich is a collaboration between Aviva, The Wherry School Trust, Norfolk County Council, and Pluss, an organisation that provides intensive support to help people discover their unique potential at work. 

The scheme, which aims to provide inclusive employment and training opportunities to young people, is already making a positive impact in Norwich and York. 80% of the 2024 interns are now permanent employees at Aviva after making successful applications to vacant roles. 

Becca joined Aviva as a supported intern in September. As well as working in Aviva’s finance operations team, they are also studying towards an accounting qualification. They said: “The best part of the internship has been meeting new people – the team is very supportive and everyone is really lovely! I’m already doing tasks independently and am looking forward to learning even more.”

Andy Lawrence, Reinsurance Finance Manager, is supporting Becca on the programme: “Becca has already become a valuable member of the team, and their eagerness to learn has been infectious. I am looking forward to supporting them as they progress on the programme.”

A previous intern, who now works as an analyst in Aviva’s cyber security team, said: “Thanks to my experience as an intern, I had the confidence to take the first steps in my career at Aviva. I'm really happy to be able to continue working in an environment where I feel supported to learn, grow and contribute every day.”

The Wherry School, Norwich – a specialist school for Autistic Learners - will host an information evening on Wednesday 22 October, at 4:15pm to give young people and their families more details on the internship and how to apply. 

The event will be an opportunity to meet the education team at The Wherry School, and is open to anyone interested in the internship, including those who may be in their final years of education in another setting. 

Owen Morris, CEO of Personal Lines at Aviva, and the Project Sponsor, says: “After the success of our first cohort, it’s brilliant that we are preparing for our next group of supported interns. The achievements of our interns so far are testament to their hard work and commitment, and it’s fantastic to see that many have chosen to continue their careers at Aviva. We’re proud to offer opportunities at Aviva for neurodivergent young people, and I look forward to welcoming even more interns to the team in Norwich next year.”  

Rachel Quick, Principal at The Wherry School, says: “At The Wherry School, we are always looking for the best ways to support and nurture the talents of our young people. We are so pleased to continue providing the supported internship programme, in partnership with Aviva and Pluss, to autistic young people in Norfolk and Suffolk.

“The success of the partnership demonstrates that autistic young people can thrive in the workplace when offered the right opportunities and support. It’s brilliant to see our young people progressing from education to the workplace, and I look forward to seeing where their experiences take them next.” 

Amy Mather works as a job coach for Pluss and supports Norwich interns onsite. They say: “It’s great to watch the supported interns learn new skills and grow in confidence, all whilst quickly becoming helpful team members at Aviva. Throughout this experience, they belong to a wider community and are valued just as much as other colleagues with formal qualifications or prior experience. I look forward to supporting another group of young people as they fulfil their potential.” 

Neil Cattle, Learning Disability Manager at Pluss, says: “Pluss is proud to partner with Aviva and The Wherry School to empower autistic young people through meaningful work experience. This collaboration creates mutual benefits – interns gain valuable skills while workplaces benefit from fresh perspectives and unique strengths. Together, we’re helping to build a more inclusive future”

To find out more about The Wherry School supported internship, visit The Wherry School website. Young people and their parent or guardians who are interested in finding out more about the event or internship can also contact Rachel Quick, Principal of The Wherry School, on principal@thewherryschool.co.uk.

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Enquiries:

• The Wherry School: Rachel Quick, office@thewherryschool.co.uk
• Aviva: Beth Meyer, beth.meyer@aviva.com

About Aviva supported internships: 

Aviva also provides supported internship for young people with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) at its York offices. This supported internship programme is a collaboration between Aviva, York City Council, and York College. 

About Pluss:

Pluss is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities. We strive to empower people through training, support, and meaningful work experiences that help them reach their full potential.